Water main break at Jacksonville's EverBank Field is under control but did impact businesses Friday morning

JEA crews assess the damage caused by a 16-inch water main break on Gator Bowl Boulevard next to EverBank Field on Friday morning. The gushing water eroded a large section of banking at the retention pond.

JEA crews begin digging to repair the damage caused by a 16-inch water main break on Gator Bowl Boulevard next to EverBank Field on Friday morning. The gushing water eroded the banking the crews are working in next to the retention pond.

Police blocked both westbound lanes of Gator Bowl Boulevard on Friday after a 16-inch water main broke about 6 a.m. next to EverBank Field.

A break in a 16-inch water main under Gator Bowl Boulevard next to EverBank Field caused no or low water pressure through much of downtown early Friday.

But as crews dig into the pavement over the 10-foot-long break next to a retention pond between First Coast News' studio and the stadium's Lot J, JEA officials predict the repair could be done by late Friday afternoon.

The break was first reported about 6 a.m. next to the huge pond, JEA spokeswoman Gerri Boyce said.

"We had crews out by 6:30 and were able to isolate it a bit before 8 a.m. so everyone could bring presure back on to their businesses," she said. "... They are going to have to use safety precautions to make sure the crews stay safe due to the water and are able to restore the pipe."

At its worst, low and no water pressure was reported from the area around EverBank Field to as far west as the CSX building on Water Street, Boyce said. But water pressure began returning soon after water was rerouted around the break about 8 a.m., she said.

No "boil water" notice was issued, but JEA crews did flush water lines up Bay Street.Police have blocked off both lanes of westbound Gator Bowl Boulevard in front of the retention pond as they begin

digging to access the 16-inch line, with trafic coned off into the turn lane. Water gushing from the break did gouge out a huge section of grassy embankment in the pond east of the stadium.

JEA says the water main break should not affect Saturday's 6 p.m. Carrie Underwood concert and stadium video board unveiling at EverBank Field.